Pittsburgh’s conditional sixth-rounder conveyed because Bob…
Pittsburgh’s conditional sixth-rounder conveyed because Bob Dougherty made the Steelers roster, and Los Angeles used No. 66 in 1960 on Don Ellersick. Dougherty gave Pittsburgh one season with 12 games and seven starts at linebacker. Ellersick gave the Rams one season too, but he played 12 games, started nine and intercepted two passes. The margins are narrow, yet the verified outcomes favor Los Angeles, B to B-, rather than Pittsburgh.
Los Angeles Rams Received
- pick 1960 conditional sixth round pick (if Dougherty makes Steelers roster) (#66-Don Ellersick)
Pittsburgh Steelers Received
- player Bob Dougherty
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Los Angeles traded linebacker Bob Dougherty to Pittsburgh on July 7, 1958 for a conditional 1960 sixth-round pick. The condition required Dougherty to make the Steelers roster. He did, so the pick conveyed. Draft-transaction records trace it to No. 66 in 1960, where the Rams selected defensive back Don Ellersick.
Los Angeles Rams Return
Los Angeles waited two drafts for the asset but ultimately received an NFL contributor. Ellersick played all 12 games for the Rams in 1960 and started nine at free safety. He intercepted two passes and returned them for 12 yards. That 1960 season was his only NFL campaign, so the Rams did not uncover a long-term starter, but the condition yielded a player who held a starting role for most of one season.
Pittsburgh Steelers Return
Dougherty also gave Pittsburgh one useful season. He appeared in all 12 games in 1958 and started seven at left linebacker. The Steelers finished 7-4-1, and Dougherty is listed among their defensive starters. He did not remain with Pittsburgh beyond that season; his later pro career came with Oakland in the AFL beginning in 1960.
Value in Hindsight
The two returns are close in both duration and role. Dougherty produced 12 games and seven starts for Pittsburgh. Ellersick produced 12 games and nine starts for Los Angeles, with two interceptions as additional measurable defensive production. Neither side earned multi-year value, so the difference should stay modest rather than becoming a large grade spread.
Final Verdict
Los Angeles moves from C+ to B and Pittsburgh from B to B-, flipping the verdict to Los Angeles Rams Win. Pittsburgh received legitimate one-year service, but Ellersick’s two extra starts and two interceptions give the Rams the slightly stronger realized outcome from the conditional pick.